pCon.planner Changelog

What's new in pCon.planner 8.8.1.100

Jul 5, 2023
  • One View Mode for all Purposes:
  • The reworked user interface of the Properties Editor provides you with even greater clarity and more overview. The properties of all elements are arranged in a neat and clear way, helping you with all of your modification and configuration tasks.
  • In addition, we limited the Properties Editor to one work mode, meaning that there is no need to switch between the modes for different tasks anymore; multi selection of properties is again directly possible from the Properties Editor, in the Properties Container, the Profile Manager as well as for Drag&Drop.
  • If you insert a new article, its properties are directly displayed and accessible with pCon.planner 8.8.1.
  • Tab Concept Provides More Structure:
  • The tab concept is now even more consistent: Every element that has distinct properties will be opened in its own tab upon selection. Plugins installed with pCon.planner will get their own tabs, as well.
  • New Article Tab:
  • With pCon.planner 8.8.1, we reworked the Article tab to give you the following benefits:
  • The Article tab is also displayed if an article is selected but not yet opened for configuration.
  • As an alternative to double-clicking an article in order to open it, your selected article will also be opened for configuration if you switch to the Article tab of the Properties Editor.
  • The information on the article currently selected is now displayed in the Properties Editor in a clearer manner.
  • Changes for Commercial Articles:
  • For commercial articles, the following changes were implemented in addition to the improvements in the Article tab:
  • Articles opened for configuration will stay opened while being rotated or moved.
  • OAP uses the new Properties Editor design.
  • If article update or export to article list is not successful, the respective articles are automatically selected in the drawing.
  • The Profile Manager comes with a new design and newly structured to improve its usability.
  • Import:
  • IFC Import:
  • We have interwoven pCon.planner 8.8.1 even more closely with the world of BIM. For this purpose, the IFC import has been completely revised to work more quickly, efficiently and robust.
  • What’s best about the reworked IFC import: The variety of the imported information becomes greater with pCon.planner 8.8.1. We now import more layer information – compare in images below.
  • PDF Import:
  • The Stack Elements option (hamburger menu, bottom left corner of the PDF import dialog) is used to either maintain the stacking of objects in the imported PDF or set them to zero level. Open the hamburger menu and remove the check mark in front of Stack Elements to import all elements within the PDF onto zero level.
  • Point Clouds:
  • The E57 import for point clouds supports a greater variety of variants of the point cloud format. The enhancement includes the import of iPhone generated E57 files.
  • Export:
  • FBX:
  • The export of FBX files now supports normal maps.
  • Enhanced Export Dialog with Layer Filter for many File Formats:
  • Starting with version 8.8.1, many export formats of pCon.planner use the enhanced export dialog, providing a layer filter to preselect layers for export (Layer Filter tab). Via this layer filter, a set of layers can be exported to a new target layer. If required, a color for the target layer can be specified.
  • The layer filter is available for the following export formats: GLB, USDZ, FBX as well as Collada.
  • USDZ:
  • The USDZ export now does support n-gons as a sub-type of surface meshes.
  • PEC:
  • When exporting PEC files, user articles with sub-articles are now supported. In addition, the export of materials now includes roughness and metallic maps.
  • The handling of defective articles has also been improved.
  • Excel:
  • The Article List page of your exported Excel files does now include the new column Reference Number.
  • Additional Improvements:
  • Layout Area:
  • The new tab concept of the Properties Editor is also used in the Layout area. The Selection tab is a unique feature of the Properties Editor in the Layout: It contains Layer and Name for selected objects within the Layout viewports. These objects are read-only in the Layout area.
  • Directly Visible Effect of Color Changes:
  • Selecting a new color for an object in your drawing via a color selection dialog (like Standard Colors drop-down menu, Color Editor or Color Picker) will have an instantaneous effect on your object. This does also apply for dynamic changes of the color in the dialog at hand.
  • This new effect is also valid when adjusting the background color of your drawing or when working with Render Styles.
  • OSPRay:
  • With pCon.planner 8.8.1, OSPRay delivers better performance when using CPUs with hybrid cores (12th genera-tion Intel processors and newer).
  • New Design for Share Dialog:
  • The Share AR and Share 3D export dialog have been modified to use a clearer layout.
  • Articles: 2D and 3D Display available in all Editions:
  • The options to show the commercial articles within your drawing either in 2D or in 3D display (or alternatively use both) are now implemented in all editions of pCon.planner. The respective settings are found on the Articles tab. They are also included in the Product catalog.

New in pCon.planner 8.8.0.100 (Nov 15, 2022)

  • Object properties are even more neatly arranged.
  • More structure when multiple objects are selected: the properties of the selected objects are dis-played in separate tabs.
  • Working on selected objects becomes easier. Input fields are always active and can be edited with only a few clicks. New editors – for example sliders for continuously variable values – are an additional simplification of your planning process.
  • Multiline texts can be edited directly in the Properties Editor.
  • Highlighting in the work area visualize to which value the transformation of properties (see chapter 2) is referring.

New in pCon.planner 8.6 (Nov 8, 2021)

  • Sharing Media Content
  • New Features for Properties Editor
  • Rendering
  • Tools: 2D Projection

New in pCon.planner 8.5 Update 1 (May 17, 2021)

  • Support for pCon.login (Pro and ME):
  • While pCon.planner continues to support licensing via EasternGraphics Safenet License Manager, we integrated authorization with pCon.login. pCon.login is your user account for a growing number of pCon applications and services.
  • Connecting pCon.planner and pCon.login is not only an alternative way to utilize your pCon.planner license – it will also help you make better use of the Product Information features: Additional content can be retrieved in the Product Information window when authorized via pCon.login.
  • This is how you connect pCon.planner 8.5 and pCon.login:
  • pCon.planner already licensed via EasternGraphics Safenet License Manager: Click the Icon_login icon in the upper right corner of pCon.planner and select Login from the menu. The pCon.login page will open. Enter your pCon.login user account data. pCon.planner will then automatically obtain its license from pCon.login.
  • New license/pCon.planner not licensed via EasternGraphics Safenet License Manager: Enter your pCon.login user data upon opening pCon.planner.
  • P-Log_en:
  • If you are authorized with pCon.login, you can access your license information by clicking your user name under the Icon_login icon. This will lead you directly to pCon.login, where you can visit the Licenses page for detailed license information.
  • Want to get familiar with pCon.login? Visit https://login.pcon-solutions.com/en/help for more information.
  • Image Rendering:
  • Renderings Finished Earlier with OSPRay:
  • A new Light Calculation property is now available for OSPRay (Image dialog, Presentation tab). This allows faster renderings with reduced precision in lighting calculation.
  • How to utilize Light Calculation: Open the Image dialog, Presentation tab. Make your settings for rendering. The Light Calculation option is located in the Processing section of the Image dialog. By choosing one of the grades – Truncated, Simple, Medium, High or Maximum, you define how many light sources in the planning are calculated in each rendering pass, with Truncated using only one light source per pass and Maximum taking all light sources in your scene into account for each pass.
  • Please note that the effect of the Light Calculation setting depends on the complexity of your drawing and the individual light situation to be calculated.
  • Rendering Aborted Earlier:
  • If no further improvement is expected when rendering with OSPRay, the rendering will abort earlier.
  • Improved Denoising Quality:
  • Furthermore, the denoising quality is improved: With the help of improved sharpness of details, the images become less blurry overall, with fewer noisy artifacts and more convincing in quality. Additionally, there is a (slightly) improved performance and lower memory consumption.
  • Multi Content Panorama (Pro):
  • To leave lasting impressions with your product images, you have a new option now. A new rendering output type is available: Multi Content Panorama (.epan). Multi Content Panoramas are panoramic images enriched with information on price or manufacturer. These pieces of information are displayed after a click on an article, set article or user article in the image.
  • MCPanorama:
  • Realtime Rendering:
  • In pCon.planner 8.5, the OpenGL rendering has been revised and modernized. Quick Rendering now is activated by default. To change this, open the Render Settings dialog (View tab).
  • Quick Rendering enhances the performance during navigation and in complex plannings by disabling ambient occlusion and blooming as well as by reducing anti-aliasing and other parameters.
  • Lights:
  • For photometric light sources: Instead of default intensity, the luminous flux value in lumen provided by the light source is now used. It can be viewed via the Properties editor. Additionally, there are shown various information provided in the photometric data file.
  • Please note that the additional information for light sources are only displayed for newly inserted lights.
  • For regular lighting elements: The Intensity has been replaced by Luminosity, with the setting remaining the same.
  • Tools:
  • New 2D Projection (pCon.planner Pro):
  • The new 2D Projection tool allows you to select and display a vectorized single view of the object. There are several possibilities: Interactively choose a side or multiple views - Default (Top, Front, Left, Right) or all sides at once by context menu option.
  • The tool can be found on the Edit tab, Tools group.
  • Select an object in your drawing and click 2D Projection to start the process.
  • Click one of the planes that are projected around your object. Each plane signifies a possible projection.
  • The projection is automatically generated and will be attached to your cursor, allowing to place it.
  • Place your projection at your desired place in the drawing and confirm with a click on the left mouse button.
  • Additionally, it is possible to generate more than one projection at once: Select your object and click the 2D Projection button. Open the context menu with a right-click on the mouse and select either Default Views or All Views. The views will be generated as vector graphic and can be placed freely.
  • Arrangement:
  • The arrangement tool now also displays the size of the base area (read-only property in the Properties editor).
  • File operations:
  • Another highlight in the new pCon.planner 8.5 is the reduced loading time, especially for large DWGs. Loading times can be reduced by up to 50%. In some cases the DWGs are loading even faster. At the same time, the performance of creating (local) backups from network paths was improved.
  • Managing and Sharing Content:
  • 3D Model Sharing:
  • Sharing for a bigger number of customers: pCon.planner 8.5 supports Microsoft SharePoint accounts, including Microsoft SharePoint for Business.
  • Media Browser
  • The Paste-action has been integrated, allowing you to insert files copied from your local file system or else-where into a new directory via the Media Browser.
  • The Media Browser now also supports drag&drop for USDZ and GLTF formats.
  • Catalog:
  • The catalog info now shows the latest update of manufacturer and program. To retrieve the information, open the Products catalog and click the settings (upper right corner).
  • Changes:
  • The Yafaray renderer is obsolete and has therefore been removed in pCon.planner 8.5. We recommend using the OSPRay renderer and its enormous creative potential instead.

New in pCon.planner 8.4 (Nov 9, 2020)

  • With pCon.planner 8.4 you create Multi Content Pictures (MCPs) of your products. These are pictures in which information about the displayed articles is embedded. MCPs can be utilized with our presentation service Impress. By moving the mouse you can call up the places marked as info points in the image.

New in pCon.planner 8.3 Update 1 (Apr 22, 2020)

  • Added value for presentation and design: Access extensive Product information
  • More flexibility: Stretch and Slice 3D models
  • Focus on the area you need: New crop tool
  • More options for extruding objects
  • Increased possibilities to edit text
  • See what you get: immediate feedback when modifiying lights
  • Support for SketchUp 2020
  • Improved PDF import
  • Improved real-time rendering

New in pCon.planner 8.2 (Oct 28, 2019)

  • Professional Vector Graphics Creation
  • New Tool: Creating 2D Symbols
  • Enhanced Clipboard
  • Improved Image Editing:
  • The Image Tab
  • The New Image Editor
  • Transparent Images
  • Improvements in Layout Area—pCon.planner PRO:
  • PDF files are now directly exported from pCon.planner’s Layout area. An external PDF printer is no longer required. This is also possible for multipage PDFs.
  • Using the Properties Editor, you can set the background transparency and shadows for elements on Layout pages: To add shadows to the elements within the viewport, set the viewport background to Transparent and enable the item Shadows You can also adjust the display of shadows using the Properties Editor.
  • The smart placement of objects onto Layout pages has also been improved: You can now align elements within the Layout page with more precision and less effort.
  • In the Properties Editor, each object on the Layout page has the options Size and Position.
  • Viewports on Layout pages can be displayed in Outline mode.
  • The new Image Editor is also available for images on Layout pages.
  • The Image Editor is also available for viewports: Open the dialog for image editing using the green pencil icon in the corner of the viewport.

New in pCon.planner 8.1 (Apr 8, 2019)

  • Presentation, Rendering and Printing:
  • OSPRay: Improved Image Quality:
  • The new option Denoising works to produce renderings free of noise and artifacts. Denoising is enabled in the Image dialog by default. Alternatively, it can be disabled and switched on following the image rendering process.
  • Rendering Animations with OSPRay:
  • Realistic-quality animations are now available with OSPRay. OSPRay has been added as a rendering tool in the Video dialog.
  • Those using pCon.planner PRO can even use EGR-BatchRendering to render their videos.
  • Exporting Multiple Real-Time Images and Panoramas:
  • Multiple images and panoramas can now be output at the same time: After clicking on the Export button in the Image dialog, you can select multiple cameras and views and save them to the desired directory.
  • Print and Layout (pCon.planner PRO): New Option for Edges:
  • The new option Print Simplified Edges, found under the Properties Editor, controls the output of edges for individual viewports on the layout page. The option ensures quicker and more compact printouts and, as a result, smaller and quicker-to-view PDFs.
  • Real-Time Rendering Performance:
  • In addition, the real-time rendering of dynamic outlines (silhouettes) within the plan has also been improved. This is dependent on your CPU. The more cores it has, the stronger this effect will be.
  • Planning and Construction:
  • Construction Tools Can Do More (pCon.planner Standard and PRO):
  • The functions Subtract, Merge and Intersection can now be used for solids and meshes as well as mixed solid-mesh objects. In previous versions, only solids were editable with the construction tools. You can now redesign articles using tools like Subtract. In a first step, these have to be converted by pCon.planner into manual articles.The range of functions for construction has increased:
  • Extrude: Context Menu option Extrude Copy will maintain the original form
  • Subtract, Merge and Intersection: Select the Context Menu item Keep Active and the selected tool will continue to be executed (end with ESC)
  • Subtract, Merge and Intersection: Maintain the second object of the operation using the Context Menu to, for example, use the object that should be adjusted in another position (option Keep Second Object)
  • New Options for Windows and Doors:
  • New options are available for windows and doors in pCon.planner 8.1. You can modify the following properties in the Properties Editor:
  • Bars for standard and round windows: Interior or exterior, in different styles, variable amount and width of rungs
  • New door handle options: Various plates, recessed door handle, panic bar, etc.
  • Protractor:
  • Under the Edit tab in the group Dimensioning, you will find a new tool for measuring angles within the plan.
  • The measuring process will be visualized in the plan and the measured angle displayed.
  • User Interface and Productivity:
  • Snapping Modes: New Behavior and Revised Dialog:
  • For object snapping, pCon.planner 8.1 now differentiates between the grabbing of objects (picking) and snapping when performing an operation (e.g. when releasing a moved object to a specific position):
  • When moving an object, all snapping modes are active at all times. The object can be grabbed, for example, from the center of the line, the line’s end point, an intersection or by its hatch. This is also true when the option is disabled in the Snapping Mode dialog.
  • When releasing objects or using other actions, only the modes that are enabled in the Snapping Mode dialog will function.
  • The dialog Snapping Mode (bottom right of the status bar) has been redesigned. The options are displayed as a button and can be integrated into custom toolbars.
  • Relocating the Object Interactor:
  • The object interactor can now be placed by clicking on the SHIFT key and inner ring of the interactor in relation to its object.
  • Remove Article Data (pCon.planner PRO):
  • The feature Remove Article Data has been enhanced. After selecting an article and clicking on Remove Article Data, the following options are available:
  • Remove All Article Data
  • New option: Just Set Prices to Zero
  • Toolbar Extended:
  • The toolbar on the right side of pCon.planner contains even more dialogs now. Conveniently open the Image dialog, Environment parameters and Layout area by clicking on the buttons on the toolbar.
  • Importing and Exporting Toolbars:
  • Individual toolbars can be imported and exported using the Customize dialog (File menu).
  • Room Elements in Their Own Dialog:
  • A new button under the Start tab in the Room Elements group will open a free-floating Room Elements dialog. With this, you can grab multiple objects in this category one after the other.
  • Material Editor:
  • New options in the Material Editor affect the information content and improve its usability.
  • Status notes on the lower edge of the Material Editor: Displayed/filtered materials, total number of materials
  • Textures and maps: Displayed file name and file size
  • Texture Size: Lock aspect ratio
  • Navigation with the keyboard: Jump to the next material by typing its first letter
  • Support of various unusual image formats (e.g. 64-bit PNGs)
  • Interfaces:
  • PDF Import:
  • You will now find the option Ignore Line Weight in the PDF Import dialog. If this is enabled, the lines within the PDF will be loaded without predefined thicknesses.
  • SketchUp 2019 Support:
  • pCon.planner 8.1 supports the import and export of SketchUp 2019 format (*.skp).

New in pCon.planner 8.0 Update 1 (Dec 5, 2018)

  • Realistic render mode completely reworked
  • Realistic, real-time shading through ambient occlusion
  • New lighting effect (Blooming) on self-illuminating and shiny or bright surfaces

New in pCon.planner 7.7 (Apr 16, 2018)

  • New Features in pCon.planner 7.7:
  • Working with Articles (pCon.planner RPO):
  • Article functions on the Quick Access Toolbar (pCon.planner PRO):
  • All options for editing articles with commercial information can be easily accessed in pCon.planner 7.7 PRO using the new Article tab on the Ribbon. In regard to content, working with and editing articles remains the same.
  • OFML Aided Planning (pCon.planner PRO):
  • With the new concept OAP (OFML Aided Planning), you can interactively configure system furniture in pCon.planner PRO. Specific OAP interactors on the articles help to modify properties or allow you to add or remove elements.
  • Not only can you use OAP in pCon.planner, but the pCon.box can also process OAP data. Simply transfer your configured objects from pCon.planner into the sales tool and you can change structure and properties there, too.
  • Improvements in Folder Management (pCon.planner PRO):
  • When you select an article in the Folder Manager by double clicking on it, it will now immediately be selected within your plan. Inconsistent articles will now be shown in red within the directory structure.
  • Latest in Import Formats:
  • OBJ
  • glTF
  • Autodesk® FBX
  • ColladaTM DAE
  • SketchUpTM 2018
  • STL
  • Improved import formats:
  • Models from the SketchUpTM 3D Warehouse are now imported with improved and more realistic surfaces. The image on the left side shows a SketchUpTM model as displayed in pCon.planner 7.6, the image on the right side shows the same model in pCon.planner 7.
  • The import of Autodesk® 3DS files has been reworked and various bugs have been eliminated.
  • IFC files are now processed on a completely new technical basis: the import is faster and handling has been improved. Walls in IFC models are now automatically on the same wall layers as pCon.planner and can be easily hidden.
  • Latest in Export:
  • The export of models in SKP format is now possible for SketchUpTM 2017 and SketchUp 2018.
  • The format PEC (pCon exchange container) will retain the directory structure created in pCon.planner 7.7 when exported.
  • Architectural Elements and Dimensions:
  • More options when planning staircases
  • pCon.planner 7.7 makes it much easier for you to draw staircases. Stairs can now be created from the lowest to the highest point. The drawing direction can be changed from the context menu. You can then use the Properties Editor to set the dimensions for the step height and total height of the staircase. New properties offer more realistic-looking stairs. In the Properties Editor, you can adjust the following characteristics:
  • Open or closed staircases
  • Web-shaped or block-shaped stairs
  • Various step profiles with varied lengths and thicknesses
  • Invisible staircase foundations, visible beams or closed sides
  • Individually design windows and doors:
  • Your windows will now be exactly as you need them: There are new options for skylights, window jambs can be added for dormer windows and you can adjust the direction of your window sills. Door handle heights can also be individually set. This feature is also found in the Properties Editor.
  • Walls, rooms and ceilings:
  • Basic room elements have also been updated:
  • Ceilings can be inserted with just a few clicks
  • The position of ceiling grids can be specified in the Properties Editor using the X and Y axes
  • Checking the box Transparent Walls (View tab, group Render) allows for transparent ceilings
  • Further changes in room and wall elements:
  • Modified floor behavior for doorsills: pCon.planner 7.7 automatically adjusts the floor to the offset of the door.
  • Radiators: In addition to the classic ribbed look, radiators with a smooth surface can also be inserted.
  • Minimalistic wall dimensions: Once you’ve selected the wall, the function Wall Dimension will insert all wall dimensions. In addition to the total length of the wall, these dimensions include the widths of windows and doors as well as the distances between the wall elements. No we’ve added a practical twist to this feature: Select Wall Dimension, press SHIFT and click on the wall at the same time, and you will see only the dimension for the wall length.
  • Quicker dimension updates: Changes to the dimension style are now applied more quickly to the drawing di-mensions. This effect is particularly noticeable in large plans.
  • Improved Handling:
  • Smooth zooming through obstacles:
  • When zooming through walls and other geometries, press the SHIFT key to ensure smooth navigation. Transparent walls and ceilings will no longer stand in your way when navigating through your plan.
  • Navigating with the keyboard:
  • In perspective view you can now use your cursor to rotate right, left, up and down. These functions are an addition to the movements on a straight line executed by pressing W, A, S or D.
  • New snap mode - Hatching:
  • Snapping the cursor onto hatched areas can now be enabled or disabled. By default, this mode is disabled.
  • Share and View Images and Models from pCon.planner with the new impress:
  • You can view 3D models and panorama images from pCon.planner with impress. This is the EasternGraphics service for the interactive presentation and sharing of your media content. With impress, you can share your media with customers and colleagues or embed them into your blog or website.
  • Panoramic images are saved locally. Then you upload your image through cloud storage, for example. A publicly available link is created and inserted into impress.
  • Use the Share feature for uploading 3D models. It will directly be available in impress.
  • Drawing and 2D Elements:
  • Drawing rectangles free-hand:
  • You can now freely draw rectangles. Start drawing the rectangle, clicking within the workspace to set the first corner of the rectangle. Right click to open the Context menu and click Select Second Corner. This will allow you to set the second corner of the rectangle at any point within the workspace.
  • Editing 2D elements in groups:
  • With version 7.7 of pCon.planner, you can now edit groups of various 2D elements.

New in pCon.planner 7.5 (May 4, 2017)

  • Realistic, on-demand product images with OSPRay
  • Sharing of pCon.planner panoramas directly onto Facebook
  • Measuring height of any selected object
  • Support for the drawing element “cylinder” for 3D operations
  • Improved interactors for object placement in layout area
  • New algorithm for output and printing of layout pages
  • Individual setting for coordinates when moving objects
  • Setting back-up folder for plans

New in pCon.planner 7.4 (Feb 21, 2017)

  • Background images within the planning area
  • Rendering time twice as fast with OSPRay
  • Additional OSPRay improvements including the ability to make adjustments during the
  • rendering process
  • New dimensioning features
  • Comprehensive overview when creating professional concept layouts (PRO)

New in pCon.planner 7.3 (May 24, 2016)

  • Improved Rendering Options
  • New Printing Process
  • Additional Render Mode
  • Setting Inner Side of Wall
  • Predefined Wall Thickness
  • Disabling Automatically Connecting Lines
  • Placing Texture and Normal Map Independently
  • Extended Support for Sketchup
  • Improved Vector Graphics
  • Ambient Light as Standard

New in pCon.planner 7.2 (Oct 10, 2015)

  • New Rendering Process for High-Quality Images :
  • Is it possible to create superior images without professional knowledge? With the additional rendering engine in pCon.planner 7.2, you can create beautiful illustrations directly from your active work area.
  • The new image calculation tool is simple to use. Without the necessity for enhanced manual system settings and light-ing, great results can still be achieved. To start the continuous rendering process, click on the Start Rendering button. Your finalized rendering can then be saved as an image file.
  • The new rendering process is also interactive. This gives you the ability to change or adjust the camera view while the rendering is taking place. Once an adjustment has been made, the process continues from the new perspective. In addition, you have the ability to change the current viewport and continue planning. Doing so has no effect on the rendering taking place.
  • The new renderer is located in the Beta Functions tab on the Ribbon.
  • Rendering created with the new interactive rendering engine in pCon.planner 7.2
  • New Rendering Engine:
  • True-to-Scale Printing with the New Print Preview:
  • With the new printing tool, your can present your planning details in true scale or provide your clients with an overview of your plan's furniture arrangements.
  • By clicking on the Print Preview button under the Presentation tab, you will see a preview of the active work area content. Under the Properties Editor, you can set the desired Scaling for your printout. Alternatively, you can interactively zoom into a desired viewing area. The Render Mode, Format of the paper, etc. are also easily controlled using the Properties Editor.
  • Title blocks with information about the project and planning, also known as a Stamp, can be easily added to the printout. The same applies to your logos.
  • Vector printing of a viewpoint is also available for various display modes. With this, the quality of the display remains the same regardless of magnification level.
  • Print Preview of a print page created in pCon.planner
  • Print Preview can be opened by clicking on the appropriate button in the Presentation tab.
  • Creative Design:
  • Drawing and Construction Tools in pCon.planner
  • From furnishing with cable bushings to custom-fit designs for tabletops or individual solutions for room features, when it comes to the implementation of customized planning ideas, you can rely on the pCon.planner Construction tools.
  • The foundation for the construction of design concepts or everyday objects often starts with 2D Drawing Elements, and these have continued to grow: New tools and functions within pCon.planner now allow for more flexibility when it comes to sketching and planning.
  • Merging Objects, Creating Intersections, Subtracting from Objects:
  • Within pCon.planner, boolean operators can be used for various 2D surfaces and 3D objects. With Subtract, you have the ability to remove one object from another. Intersect allows for the superposition, or overlapping, of at least two elements. The Merge function creates a new object from two planes or shapes that are touching one another.
  • All options can be found in the Edit tab in the group Construction.
  • Complex Extrusions with the Follow Me Tool:
  • This tool helps you guide complex extrusions along a particular path. This can be used for the creation of baseboards or cable ducts, for example.
  • The Follow Me tool can be found under the Edit tab in the group Construction.
  • Freehand Function, Circular Sectors and New Arc Tools:
  • Let your creativity run wild: Curvy lines can be quickly created with the Freehand tool. Subsequently, you can also adjust the curvature and alignment.
  • With this, you can create a curved countertop as easily as if it were on the drawing board. Cable bushings and organic shapes can also be constructed with the Freehand tool.
  • Editing a freehand line – curvature and orientation will be adapted for a particular point
  • Running drawing of a Pie; Inputting the encompassing angle:
  • With pCon.planner 7.2, you can now draw a Pie (circular sector) in next to no time. To do so, set the middle point of the circular sector, draw the radius, and with two clicks, set the start and end point of the corresponding arcs.
  • Opened menu showing the various Arc options:
  • Taking the place of the conventional Arc function are three new tools:
  • Depending on your requirements, with pCon.planner 7.2 you can set an arc using two end points, 3 points or a middle point, radius or angle.
  • You can learn more about creating and editing 2D Drawing Elements in the corresponding chapters of the online help center.
  • The new Drawing Elements can be found under the Start tab in the group Drawing Elements.
  • Drawing Elements:
  • New Features for Polylines, Polygons and Line Tools:
  • Drawing process for a polyline – The angle of the line can be entered while drawing, ledger lines then appear for the parallel alignment of the lines
  • New drawing processes ensure the exact placement and length of lines or polylines: Now you can directly give length and angle specifications for every line segment.
  • While drawing polylines, ledger lines will appear, allowing you to easily align with the parallel or orthogonal lines.
  • For the editing of polylines, new options are now available to you: Every line segment and node can be edited individually. With multi-selection, you can choose several points or line segments in order to collectively move them. This ensures that the lengths and arrangements remain the same while the remaining elements are adjusted accordingly.
  • If you draw several new lines at the end of a Polyline, they will be directly connected. In the same way, if you drag the endpoint of an existing Polyline to the endpoint of a second, the will automatically be combined into one element.
  • Editing a polyline, including multi-selection – selected lines (middle) are moved together; the result is on the right
  • You can draw polygons faster now, as well: The number of sides is immediately entered during the drawing process.
  • Polygon:
  • Inserting a polygon; Changing the number of sides from five to eight :
  • Polylines and Co. can be found under the Start tab in the group Drawing Elements.
  • pCon.planner help: Drawing Elements:
  • Sharing CAD Models Online with Partners and Customers
  • Let your partners and customers take part in the planning process. With the new feature Share CAD Model, you share details, individual furniture items and complete plans online. The service is based on connection to a cloud service. Within the Sharing Settings dialog of Share CAD Model, you can choose from several providers for CAD model sharing.
  • If you would like to share objects with others, select them within your plan. In the dialog Share CAD Model, you have the option of copying the model link to the clipboard, sending the link via e-mail or displaying the object directly in the browser. The model is then continuously accessible online.
  • Once the object is shared, it can be passed on to other potential viewers. You have the ability to zoom in, rotate and change the point-of-view of the shared model. This allows your customers and partners to have a quick overview of your proposed plan.
  • Browser view of CAD Model:
  • Share CAD Model can be found at the top right-hand corner of the ribbon.
  • CAD Model Sharing:
  • Customizing Illustrations for Real-time Views with Render Styles
  • With Render Styles you can create individual illustrations for real-time views. With no actual rendering required, you can accomplish high-quality, stylish visualizations for your plans – complete with your logo, individual line styles and color scheme. Render Styles can be used for images in the viewport as well as for Layout pages.
  • Render Styles can be found under the View tab.
  • Render Styles:
  • Example of a Render Style with logo, alternative line styles and shaded background
  • Importing building models in IFC format:
  • The ability to fulfill the BIM standard is made possible with the option to import IFC files. The BIM concept allows for the program application and trade-spanning digital characterization of building models. Files can be imported using the application menu.
  • Supported data formats:
  • Exporting Common Geometry Formats and Vector Graphics
  • With pCon.planner 7.2, you can now export geometric data in DAE, SKP, OBJ, as well as FBX formats. Vector graphics can be exported in SVG, EFM and DWG formats. Export options can be found in the application menu.
  • Supported data formats:
  • Simple Drawing of Walls on Top of Floor Plans
  • With the Floor Plan tool, you can work with room shapes and wall thickness: By inserting a plan and using the Floor Plan function, you can manually trace the outline of the walls and the walls will be generated automatically. The Floor Plan function can be found under the Start tab in the group Room Elements.
  • Drawing Walls:
  • Space Management: Dividing Spaces and Inserting Room information
  • With the Split Room tool, you can divide rooms into various functional spaces or work areas. The Room Stamp will then measure and display the circumference and area of any closed space. Both tools can be found under the Start tab in the group Room Elements.
  • Split Room:
  • Layer Management for Work Areas and Overall Planning:
  • The Layer Dialog and Layer Filter can be used either globally or for each individual active work area. With the Filter Editor, you can create your own layer filters as well as their content. The Layer Filter can be found under the Start tab in the group Visibility; the Layer Dialog is available on the Toolbar.
  • Layers:
  • Copies Connected to the Original:
  • The Reference option creates copies of an object that are linked to the original object. If you change the color, material or a feature in the Properties Editor, this action will have a direct effect on all other references. In other words, the modifications are directly transmitted to all other copies, saving you time. The Reference option can be found under the Edit tab in the group Tools.
  • Copy:
  • Feature Transfer with the Properties Editor:
  • The possibilities of the Properties Editor have increased with the addition of fast characteristics transfers: With Drag&Drop, you can simply drop properties into the property container. From there, they are assigned to other objects. The property container and its functions can be found on the lower edge of the Properties Editor.
  • Transferring Properties:
  • Defining Object Insert Points:
  • In pCon.planner 7.2, a further insert point can be defined for each object, which is (as an alternative to the existing points) selected during object insertion. The Insert Point tool can be found in the group Tools (Edit tab).
  • Insert Point:
  • Defining Line Styles for Drawing Elements:
  • Highlight Drawing Elements on plan printouts and images: For both prints and real-time illustrations, the view options can be determined for line type, scaling of line segments and line thickness. Settings can be customized in the Properties Editor.
  • Drawing Elements:
  • Hatching for Drawing Elements:
  • This option can be used to shade drawing elements and closed polylines. Hatch can be found under the Edit tab in the group Tools.
  • Hatch:
  • New Types of Dimensioning and Editor for Dimension Styles:
  • More options for standardized dimensioning: Rotated Dimension can be used for measurements with fixed angular dimensioning. The dimensioning of angles is also possible now. With the Dimension Styles editor, you can also deter-mine the look of your dimensions.
  • Options can be found under the Edit tab in the group Dimensioning.
  • Dimensioning:
  • Creating and Using Drawing Templates:
  • Give your plans a uniform appearance: Templates are drawing files in which certain settings and objects – for example Dimension Styles or floor plans – are included. You can create your template directly in pCon.planner and leave them in DWT format for future use. The function to open templates can be accessed from the application menu.
  • Application Menu:
  • Simultaneously Opening Multiple Plans:
  • With the ability to open multiple plans at the same time, you can easily compare plans or quickly copy content from one file to another.
  • Free pCon.planner in 64-Bit Version :
  • pCon.planner 7.2 is now available in a full 64-bit version. This is a standalone version that can be installed and operated simultaneously with the conventional 32-bit version.
  • The 64-bit version allows you to manage and use more working memory. This is especially advantageous for memory-intensive operations, such as loading, editing, printing and saving extremely large plans. As a result, the stability of the application is significantly higher.
  • To benefit from the 64-bit version, you need at least 4 GB of RAM. However, we recommend the use of 8 GB of RAM.
  • Enhanced Placement for Wall Elements:
  • Customized dimensions for wall elements are just a few clicks away. With the help of the Enhanced Element Placement option, you can determine the width and initial characteristics when actively inserting windows, doors, etc.
  • Enhanced Element Placement can be found in the Room Elements dialog, Start tab.
  • Wall Elements:
  • Enhanced Element Placement option, Room Elements Group, Start tab
  • Inserting a Door: Determing the starting point and entering the desired width
  • Determining the opening direction of the door during placement
  • Improved Tooltips:
  • The updated tooltips will provide you with a quick program orientation. This briefly describes the functionalities of the elements in the user interface.
  • Hover the mouse pointer over a button or function without clicking. After a short time, a description of the function will appear. Tooltips are available for the application menu, the ribbon and all other toolbars. Even complex settings within dialogs have their own tooltip.
  • Usage Instructions:
  • In the Print Preview of pCon.planner 7.2, you can choose from the drop down menu whether you’d like to print a plan as an image or a vector graphic. The Print Mode option can be found in the Properties Editor. The image option is predefined.
  • If you change the height or width of a wall in the context menu during the drawing process, these parameters with be used for future walls. Previously, the parameters given in the context menu were only applied to the selected wall.

New in pCon.planner 7.0 (Dec 5, 2014)

  • New user interface :
  • A new look for pCon.planner:
  • Experience the new pCon.planner user interface. Version 7.0 has been given much more than a fresh new look: its stream-lined tabs and dialogs are fine-tuned to the typical stages of a planning process and offer quick navigation, an excellent overview of functions and efficient workflows.
  • A right click in pCon.planner 7.0 not only opens the context menu but also a dynamic mini toolbar. This provides quick access to important functions for the current step in the process.
  • The Toolbar: All your tools just a click away:
  • The new Toolbar, located on the right-hand side of the work area, gives you direct access to all the important tools in pCon planner. Properties editor, Layer dialog, pCon.catalog and much more – everything you need is just a click away.
  • The relevant Help section shows you which functions you can call via the Toolbar, how you can dock tools onto the work area and how you can add more features to the Toolbar.
  • Direct search in pCon.catalog:
  • A search field for models from pCon.catalog has been added to the new user interface.
  • The new Catalogs group offers a shorter route to finding high quality furnishing objects and materials.
  • Planning:
  • Enhanced room settings:
  • You can use the Room Settings dialog to set standard values, e.g. for the heights and widths of Windows and Doors. These and other dimensions are set in the Room Elements group in the Start tab. Click on the arrow at the lower edge of the group to open the Room Settings dialog. The values entered here are adopted for all doors and windows that you subsequently insert into your planning.
  • Create 3D models for Impress in pCon.planner 7 :
  • Planning and presentation go hand-in-hand with pCon.planner 7 and Impress, the EasternGraphics online presentation service. Using the new 3DWeb export feature, you can generate 3D models for your online presentations. View furniture groups interactively in Impress, zoom into details or rotate the model in the room in any way you wish.
  • 3DWeb models are created via the Application menu. Under Export, you will find the option Geometry where you select the file type EasternGraphics 3DWeb (*.3dweb).
  • Frame for image area in Media Maker:
  • Beim Berechnen von Bildern und Videos aus Animationen können Sie ab der neuen Version einen Rahmen einblenden lassen. So sehen Sie direkt, welcher Bereich Ihrer Planung in Ihrem fotorealistischen Rendering oder Ihrem Video abgebildet sein wird.
  • Enhanced printing process:
  • For all editions, printing is now based on a uniform technology. Print your draft designs quickly and easily in high quality. The advanced settings are now the same in both the Standard and PRO Editions.
  • pCon.planner Standard now offers an enhanced print preview function. Here you can adjust the paper format settings, alignment and margins directly via the Properties editor and view all the changes immediately in the viewport.
  • Output of print views as image:
  • From pCon.planner 7 you can save a Print Preview or a Layout Page as an image. You can use the image button in the dynamic tab Print Preview or in the Layout area (pCon.planner PRO). The button is located in the group Page, to output the preview in a standard image format (for example *.png).

New in pCon.planner 6.3 Beta (Dec 9, 2010)

  • Photo rendering tool
  • Additional interior room elements
  • Move- and Rotate-Interactor
  • Enhanced navigation
  • Automatic dimensioning of walls
  • Surface smoothing
  • Improved lighting elements

New in pCon.planner 6.2.2 (Sep 10, 2010)

  • The pCon.planner 6.2.2 is characterized by improvements of its robustness and performance and contains an enlarged range of functions concerning the insertion of objects into plannings. During the insertion process the user can choose between different insertion points at the object and can thus define its exact position.
  • The active insertion point can be changed by using the Y and X keys as soon as the object is placed on the mouse cursor. After the definition of the insertion point, the user can define the rotation of the object, too, with which an additional work step is cut down.
  • The cursor geometry for point snap was changed. Instead of a rectangle a circle will be shown now. Thus, point snap can be distinguished from the end point snap more easily.
  • The export of the EPX image format is limited to a maximum resolution of 1024x768 pixel.
  • The robustness of the Save function, the periodical Auto Save and the creation of backup files were improved. Furthermore, Auto Save now works much faster.
  • The room detection function will abort automatically, if it takes longer than one second to detect a room.
  • The list of usable file formats for object import has been completed.
  • Navigation errors which came up while browsing the 3D warehouse in pCon.catalog were eliminated. All in all, the pCon.catalog was built more robustly.
  • Texts created with spaces, which were inserted into pCon.planner with the help of the clipboard, will not be cut in front of the first space anymore.
  • The memory requirements were reduced enormously for the case that disabled layers of a drawing are supposed to be visible again. The stability of the layer management was improved.
  • The walk-through interaction mode (F9) is only available in perspective views.
  • The assignment of material to geometries was created more robustly in order to prevent crashes of pCon.planner within this context.
  • The number of work steps considered by the operations undo or repeat was limited to 100. This limited storage of work steps will prevent a massive memory usage.
  • The system information were revised. The generation of information works more reliably, more details are shown in section memory and some of the secondary statements were omitted or shown in a more compact form.
  • The problem handling in pCon.planner is more restrictive. Only in some cases it is now possible to continue with the program after an error. So errors in following operations, e.g. saving damaged drawings, are supposed to be prevented. Additionally, extensive log files will be forwarded together with the problem report via email.